Richard T. "Dick" Marzolf

“Dick” Marzolf died on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2013, at Lynwood Manor in Adrian. He was born February 9, 1930, in Alma, Mich., to Orley T. and Beulah (Goodwin) Marzolf. Dick and Dorothy Louise Hall were married on October 3, 1948, and they recently celebrated 65 years together. It was love at first sight and it never ended. He and Dorothy had three children: daughters Kristine Sue Grinn of Valley Center, Calif., and Lisa Ann Schwind of Clinton, Mich.; and one grandson, Jeffrey Daniel Kienbaum of Midland, Mich. A son, Daniel Steven, preceeded Dick in death in 1969 at age 16. Dick also leaves four siblings, Rodney Marzolf of Wisconsin, Ross Marzolf of Colorado, Julia Haughey of Concord, Mich., and Mary Jean Campbell of Virginia.Dick was blessed with a beautiful voice and first sang “Ave Maria” as a boy soprano at church. When he was a teenager and a member of the All-State Chorus he was chosen from the 500 members to sing a solo for the Governor of Michigan. He attended Interlochen Music Camp, studying voice. He acted and sang in many musicals and barbershop quartets, wining awards for his singing.Dick earned his Eagle Scout award and when an adult was scout leader in Midland, Mich. He was a member of The Order of the Arrow. He attended Cimmeron National Scout Ranch in New Mexico when in his teens and was a leader there. He began work at 11-years-old as a shoe shine boy and as he grew, worked a variety of jobs.Dick was a licensed Instrument Journeyman at Dow Chemical before deciding to attend Alma College. He worked eight hours in the evening in the lab at Leonard Refinery in Alma, Mich., attended college during the day time and still found time to be with his family. He graduated in 1959, Summa Cum Laude, earning a degree in Chemistry. He was a member of the National Honor Society, Phi Sigma Pi. His career at Dow Chemical was with Research and Development for 31 years, retiring in 1985. Dick and Dorothy built a home together on a lake near Traverse City, Mich., where they moved when Dick retired. Winters were spent in Bartow, Fla. They were members of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Bartow and St. John’s Episcopal Church in Midland and St. John’s Episcopal Church in Clinton. In 2002 they moved to Tecumseh, Mich. After retirement Dick and Dorothy enjoyed their artwork. Dick was an accomplished wood carver of song birds, receiving many awards for his work. For fifteen years they traveled to several states to participate in Wildlife Shows and Teddy Bear Shows. Dick has been a member of carving groups in Traverse City and Tecumseh. He loved to play pinnacle with his friends. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He had a sharp mind, was interested in art, music, history, nature, woodworking, animals, and helping the destitute of the world. With his loving way he taught his family to also appreciate these things. We are blessed that he was part of our lives. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the Lenawee County Mission or the National Brain Tumor Society.Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will take place at 11 a.m Saturday, Nov. 16, 2013, at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Clinton with Pastor Susie Schaefer officiating.